Tip #9: Use short, relevant examples. Examples should illustrate your view point. Build the main points of your argument and then focus on supporting details and facts to bolster them. Be clear and definite. Avoid being abstract, “kitchen sinking” or using...

Tip #8: Outline your methodology. Good methodology means that you have selected the best method to answer your primary research question. The choice of best method will vary by discipline. Methodology refers to the process of collecting, evaluating, and analyzing...

Tip #7: Pick the best and most relevant citations. A good rule of thumb is to pick the most relevant 3-5 citations for every main point. Relevancy is defined as being some combination of coming from a primary text, being published in an well respected journal and/or...

Tip #6: Be comfortable with “selling” your ideas. “Selling” is a bad word in academic circles. But we use it as a quick way of saying “persuading”. Your entire proposal (and dissertation) is, essentially, one long persuasive paper....

Tip #5: Develop a plan for research. You should have at least a basic idea of your question and how you will study it. Try to keep your research as simple as possible. While you want to impress with your knowledge and overly complex research designs, simple is better....